New Orleans Coffee Shop Plans to Make a Big Splash in Austin

New Orleans coffee shop chain PJ’s Coffee announced a ten-year expansion plan that would add 25 locations to Austin, as part of 180 shops in the state. The chain has started the expansion in Houston, and a representative estimated she would know more about an Austin location in “six months to a year.”

PJ’s Coffee serves coffee drinks (including frozen varieties), tea, and pastries. It’s known for its cold brew iced coffee, which use a process developed by the founder to make the drink less acidic, and touts using only Arabica beans.

There are currently three locations of the PJ’s franchise in Houston. The location formats range from as small as a kiosk to as large as a full cafe with a drive-thru.

“We look forward to rapidly expanding and consistently adding to the PJ’s coffee family in our neighboring state,” said chief development officer in a press release, “because you know what they say — everything’s bigger and better in Texas.”

PJ’s Coffee was founded in New Orleans in 1978 by Phyllis Jordan. It was bought in 2008 by three brothers from New Orleans and became part of their company Ballard Brands. Ballard also owns several chains in Louisiana (Wow Café American Grill & Wingery, The Original City Diner, Boardhouse) and Philadelphia (Garces Group from chef Jose Garces, who won the second season of The Next Iron Chef and a James Beard award).

• PJ’s Coffee [Official]